Technical Abstract:
Wool with up to 95% keratin by weight is a rich and pure source of proteinous biomaterial. As polymeric polyamide it exhibits high functionality through amide, carboxyl, sulfoxide, sulfide, and thiosulfide functions. Solubilized wool was transformed into keratin morphologies with the unique characteristics of natural keratin protein retaining a-helix and beta-sheet microstructure through ionic, dispersive, covalent, hydrophobic and stable disulfide bonding. Strong and tough functional keratin products in various forms of porous hydrogels, functioning as platforms for agent retention and transport, were developed for bio-based niche market applications. We isolated strong, tough, functionalized keratin products with available peptide functions as stand-alone products and as precursors for chemical modification to replace synthetic counterparts used in cosmetics, personal care, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. We present self-formed keratin sheets, gels, creams, sponges, and more, as stand-alone platforms with natural potential for agent uptake and release and we describe chemically modified keratin as precursor for subsequent reactivity to form tailored keratin products for particular end-uses.